The University of Macau’s (UM) congregation this year was not just a solemn and joyous occasion, but also a touching one. In addition to speeches and certificate presentation, which are a staple of the big annual event, this year’s UM Congregation also saw students singing in unison, some with tears in their eyes.

For years, UM staff and students have been longing to have their own university anthem, and this wish finally came true. Last year, which marked the thirtieth anniversary of the university, UM launched a university anthem lyrics material contest, and set up an Organizing Committee chaired by Mr. Lei Pui Lam, first vice chair of UM’s University Council. The Organizing Committee received fifty-two entries by internal and external participants, from which the Evaluation Committee selected nineteen.

UM invited Dr. Tse Chi Wai, chair of UM’s University Council, who has an extraordinary literary talent, to create the lyrics based on the chosen materials, and Canadian musician Margaret Tse Perron was invited to compose the music. Their collaboration finally yielded a beautiful and deep university anthem.

The song made its debut at the congregation, through co-performance by UM Choir, UM Symphonic Band and UM String Orchestra.

The University of Macau Anthem

Lyrics by: Daniel C. W. Tse　　　Music by: Margaret Tse Perron

On Chinese soil where East meets West, UM grows young and strong.

On Taipa Hill or Hengqin Plain where beauty brightness shine.

Ren, Yi, Li, Zhi, Xin, marks of College life;

Arts and Sciences thrive in Learned Hall.

Feet firm on ground and eyes on high, our global vision clear.

With hand on heart we proudly march, for Homeland and Mankind.